. >>> plus, clinton hshg rides off in the sunset, chuck hagel gets downright offensive. and lions and tigers and bears, oh my, "early today" starts right now. >> announcer: this is "early today" for friday, february 1st, 2013. >>> good morning, i'm mara schiavocampo. super bowl weekend is here as fans of both the baltimore ravens and the san francisco 49ers descend upon new orleans, the town known for its lavish matters is gearing up for one of its biggest parties ever. nbc's jay gray is live for the latest. >> reporter: good morning, mara. from outside the beautiful superdome lit up in new orleans. look, depending on your perspective, a lot of people either ending their party or continuing into new orleans. the perfect city to hold such a big bash. a lot of people looking forward to the game. but as you talked about, a lot of people looking forward to a lot of things. for many, it's the ads that air on super sunday. we have a sneak peek of some you'll see. >> hey, son, have fun tonight. ♪ ♪ >> you know what this room needs? a smile. who wants to come with i? ♪ tra